Help with creating an ad

[Randy13]

Okay, so I came here before asking about tips on starting my band. I was told to place ads around town and at the local music store. Well the thing is, I don't know what to put on there.

I'm an only member trying to start a band and it would be kind of awkward (for an auditioner) to audition to join a band with only one member. This is my first time creating a band from scratch. I was normally with a friend but all my friends up here are into metal (which isn't the type of band that I want to be in), so I'm looking for some tips on what to put on the ad that wouldn't discourage the person to join my band after finding out that I'm a lone member (especially since I'm a freshman in high school).

This may sound like a stupid thing to ask help for, but I'm really not good with creating ads (you can ask my business teacher. I failed all the ad projects).

So, just a few tips as to what to include in the ad that would make it seem like it's worth the time to join my band.

Feel free to ask me questions if needed. And a big thanks to everyone who helps. I probably couldn't make it without whoever helps me on this.

[troy mcclure]

Type of music you want to play
Wfat instruments you are looking for
Your goal with the project
how often you want to practices and gig
influences

Example

Bass player starting a classic rock bar band.
Looking for a guitar, vocals and drums to practice weekly and be giging with 2 months.
Think Zepplin, Cream and The Who
Call Randy at 867 5309 or email me at ican'twriteanad.com

[Unrepresented]

I think I might include the general age range you're in -- high school -- as I know that will be a deal breaker for people and will allow them to weed themselves out before wasting time calling you.

[stedtale]

1) brief
2) to the point
3) don't repeat thing
4) only say things once

[bradjonesbass]

High School student, bassist with __ years playing experience looking to join or start a _____ band. Goal is __% cover material and __% original material. Practice __ x's per week and start playing shows in __ weeks. Please contact me at (Phone number) or (email addy) if interested.

[hunta]

Also, if you're the one starting the band (ie you're assuming a leadership position) it helps to have material somewhat worked out before you start looking. If you're doing covers, pick a few out and put them as examples on your ad, AND be prepared to play them (and provide parts or recordings for potential members). Same deal with originals, have at least a few tunes worked out and "ready". If you want to do originals but you don't have anything written yourself, probably it's a better idea to either join a group, or wait a bit and work some songs out yourself before you start advertising.

If I'm looking for a band, I want to be able to jump in and get to work. If things aren't somewhat organized, and there's no clear direction, or every practice starts out as "So what are we working on? I dunno!" that's a problem and I won't be there long.

This is probably more than most high schoolers are looking for when they get involved in a band, but the more prepared you are to run the band, the better off you'll be.

Annnnd, use a template or something if you aren't graphically inclined! A professional looking poster goes a long way, if I see a handwritten xerox copied flyer I run away

[-Kramer-]

Originally Posted by stedtale

1) brief
2) to the point
3) don't repeat thing
4) only say things once

+1

This is very good advice because...
1) it is to the point
2) he only repeats himself once
3) he doesn't waste your time
4) he is brief
5) he is to the point

[Randy13]

Alright, thanks guys. I think I can handle it from here.

[olaff421]

If you are in high school, then chances are there is a band. And within that band there is probably a drum line. And chances are there is a drummer or two on said drum line that have kits at home to play. Make friends with someone in the band, mainly the drum line, and then scout em out. Get a feel for who wants to do more than Susa (Suza?) music.

Being bass player and starting the band, my opinion is that you should build it from the rhythm section up. Finding a drummer would get a good base for the band.

I know it's not a suggestion about ads, but it might give you a different idea how to start one.